During her recent whirlwind visit to the biscuit bakery, Agathe left for new adventures, forgetting her famous travel journal. Intrigued (and with her permission), we delved into it and were captivated by the beauty of the places she stayed throughout our beautiful country.
We couldn't keep these stories to ourselves! So, without further ado, we present to you some of the gems that will surely transport you, without having to fly to the other side of the world. Are you ready? Let's go:
Klosterhotel
… “leaving Erlach, I follow this beautiful walking path that leads me straight to the Klosterhotel at the end of St. Peter's Island. What a little piece of paradise! We are surrounded by Lake Biel, with the Jura mountains and its vineyards on one bank, and a breathtaking panorama of the Bernese Alps on the other. It's splendid! As soon as I arrive, I am overwhelmed by the history of the place and I imagine what the life of the Cluniac monks must have been like hundreds of years ago. Did they also feel the joy of sitting in the sun with a cup of tea and a fresh biscuit?”…
Marktgasse Hotel
… “A place right in Zurich that was already welcoming its first guests in 1425?!? You have to see it to believe it, and I don't need convincing. And what a pleasant surprise to discover this charming building at the corner of an alley in the heart of the lively Niederdörfli district: the Marktgasse Hotel*. I'm lucky, they offer me a room. And a meal at the table d'hôte of the IGNIV restaurant by the famous chef Andreas Caminada and under the direction of Chef Daniel Zeindelhofer. What an honor! We spend the evening discussing the culinary treasures our beautiful Switzerland has to offer”…
Drei Berge Hotel
… “I arrive in the picturesque village of Mürren and head straight to my accommodation for the night: the Drei Berge Hotel. What a pleasure to settle in after my long day visiting the more than 70 waterfalls of the Lauterbrunnen valley and admiring the view of the three majestic Bernese peaks… the Eiger, the Mönch, and the Jungfrau. No wonder this magical landscape inspired J.R.R. Tolkien for the adventures of the Lord of the Rings”...
Landvogthaus
… “barely out of my train, I find myself immersed in the 16th century in Nidfurn in the Canton of Glarus. The superb manor house Landvogthaus has maintained its splendor over time and serves as both a museum and a hotel. No Wi-Fi connection, no phones around, just peace, a splendid view of the famous Tödi, and a garden filled with ancient trees, diverse plants, and sculptures made by one of the two owners - the artist Armin Trinkl. You couldn't dream of a better way to disconnect from the world for a night”...
Hotel Le National
… “Having left this morning from the small resort of Morgins, I arrive exhausted at my destination. The beautiful traditional village of Champéry welcomes me, and I already discover the Hôtel Le National*, situated opposite the superb Dents du Midi. That was all it took to win me over, and I head directly to the reception to book a room. Fate works in mysterious ways, and I learn that the hotel manager is - like me - a baking enthusiast. We settle on the terrace and enjoy the last rays of sunshine with a glass of white wine and some Zélés aux z’Herbes”...
Villa Cassel
… “What a crazy day (or days) I’ve just had. Accompanied by my guide Franz, from the Pro Natura Foundation, I discover the fauna and flora of the Aletsch forest and walk on the slippery ridges of Europe's largest glacier (that makes me really crave Oranneigées). I settle on the terrace of the magnificent Villa Cassel high up in Riederalp. And to think that tonight I will sleep in the room once occupied by Winston Churchill during his visits more than a century ago”...
Hotel des Armures
… “Nestled in the heart of Geneva's magnificent Old Town - Switzerland's largest historic city - the Hôtel des Armures* has always piqued my curiosity, and I can hardly contain my excitement when I receive an invitation to meet its manager and renowned head chef. What an honor! My little finger tells me that the evening will be most gourmet”...
Hof zuOrt
… “What a surprise it was to discover this small hamlet at the very end of Val Sinestra in Lower Engadine! A small traditional inn, a stable, a chalet, and a small chapel make up the Hof ZuOrt in Vnà. The peace, silence, and majestic mountains invite rest after a long day of hiking. And what about the charming host - Not Pult? He lovingly enhances local ingredients and pampers his guests with the utmost care. This will certainly not be my last visit. In fact, I promised him I would come back with a load of Secrets de Gruyère, his favourite little Swiss biscuit”...
Grandhotel Giessbach
… “Crossing the Unterweidligraben suspension bridge, I discover this splendid view of Lake Brienz and this mysterious historic building on the opposite bank. My curiosity immediately gets the better of me, and I take a boat to reach the majestic Grandhotel Giessbach*. As soon as I enter the hotel, I'm struck by a sense of déjà vu! And it will quickly be confirmed. Some scenes from the film "Phantom Threads" with Daniel Day-Lewis - one of my favourite actors - were filmed here! Luckily, I always have a packet of my little biscuits close at hand. Rumor has it that my idol is staying there again. If I were to bump into him in the corridors, it would be the perfect opportunity to invite him for tea with me! To be continued”...
Hotel Weisshorn
… “What an adventure exploring the Chemin des Planètes high above St-Luc. And my surprises aren't over. While looking for a place to stay for the night, I stumble upon this historic building straight out of a Wes Anderson film: the Hôtel Weisshorn. It majestically overlooks the Val d'Anniviers and offers – at least in my imagination – a breathtaking view of the mythical mountains surrounding us. And I wasn't mistaken! Waking up the next day, I am speechless in front of this superb panorama. It's clear that I'm even more enthusiastic about developing a biscuit in homage to this superb region!”... Inspired by Agathe's stories, we have all decided to spend our holidays in Switzerland. And you? Who knows, with a little luck, you might run into our adventure and pastry enthusiast on your journey! If so, don't hesitate to approach her. She will be delighted to share her discoveries of the day over a good cup of tea and a small biscuit. *Agathe's visit has left its mark on these fabulous hotels, and you'll be delighted to find your favourite little Swiss biscuits accompanying your coffees or teas. Thanks to them for their trust and these wonderful collaborations.
